Date : November 2013 Job Title : Clinical Pharmacist (RAC) Department : Pharmacy Service 1.0 FTE Location : North Shore or Waitakere Hospitals Reporting To : Chief Pharmacist, Waitemata District Health Board Direct Reports : Nil Functional Relationships with : Primary Care Residents and their families in RAC facilities in WDHB region RAC clinical, management and support staff Gerontology Nurse Specialists/Practitioners GPs Community Pharmacists Funding & Planning Team QUM Pharmacists Business Manager Secondary Care Medical, nursing and Allied Health staff Patients admitted to NSH & WTK Hospitals Pharmacists Gerontology Nurse Specialists/Practitioners Mental Health Services for Older Adults (MHSOA) community staff Geriatricians Psycho-geriatricians Purpose : To provide a clinical pharmacist service to users and providers of RAC services that supports a collaborative relationship between the Pharmacy & HOAS services (WDHB provider arm), the residential care facility and its medical and nursing staff. Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 1
The primary objectives are to: promote and increase the appropriate use of medicines in RAC to ensure maintenance of health and quality of life for residents support the education of RAC staff and prescribers in the quality use of medicines support the quality use of medicines by WDHB clinicians who provide services to RAC reduce medicine related adverse events and associated hospital admissions KEY TASKS Scope of Practice Pharmacist as defined by the Pharmacy Council of NZ Communication and Key Relationships 1. To develop and maintain collaborative relationships with staff in RAC facilities, both nursing and administrative GPs caring for residents in RAC facilities Geriatricians and psycho-geriatricians (Primary & Secondary care) Gerontology Nurse Specialists/Practitioners (Primary & Secondary care) Integration Programme Community pharmacists providing a dispensing service to RAC facilities The multidisciplinary team within secondary care Regional and national networks relevant to the RAC sector 2. To communicate clearly and effectively with the above stakeholders Service 1. Provision of Medicine Review services to RAC residents with complex clinical and/or medicine issues in collaboration with the facility s prescribers and staff, WDHB RACIP service and specialist clinical services. 2. With the support of the Steering Group extend the provision of the clinical pharmacy service to all RAC facilities within the DHB. 3. Be available to provide medicine education for the residential care clients as appropriate, and support for resident s families re medicine decisions and education as required. Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 2
4. Supporting continuing professional development support for residential care facility staff through WDHB study days, medicine bulletins and other avenues as appropriate. 5. Provide a medicines information service for staff and prescribers working in RAC facilities. 6. Provide support to RACIP staff regarding the quality use of medicines. 7. Identification of systems issues in the medication management process that are unsafe and work towards a resolution both within facilities and on a regional/national level. 8. Identify common prescribing issues and provide feedback to prescribers. 9. Provide support to the WDHB clinical pharmacist service regarding medicine related issues in older adults. Medicine Reviews Medicine reviews may include the following parameters: Medicine Reconciliation Review of the medicine regime with the current resident problem list, medical history, observations, lab investigations, hospital discharge and clinic letters Supporting GPs in the use of evidence based medicines and rationalisation of medicines in complex situations where evidence is unavailable Reviewing the medicines in light of resident s health care status, treatment goals and clinical condition Review of medicines that might Increase the risk of falls Impair cognitive and functional ability Exacerbate constipation and urinary continence issues Identification of medicine interactions and possible adverse drug events Recommendation of strategies to manage the risk of adverse events Identification of indications for prescribed medicines Discussion with resident and their carers regarding treatment goals, medicines and associated effects Secure communication of a suggested management plan to the GP and the residential care facility outlining recommendations, management strategies and required monitoring for identified medicine related issues Liaison with or referral to other healthcare providers/services as required Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 3
Reporting 1. Record clinical interventions and medicine queries 2. Further reports as determined by the project Steering Group General 1. To participate in the Pharmacy Service To attend staff meetings and to promote team work practices in the Pharmacy To participate in the clinical pharmacy service To maintain dispensing skills by participating in the dispensary roster at a level agreed with the Chief Pharmacist To participate in the weekend service and the on-call roster if required To participate in the training of junior pharmacists and interns To undertake other duties as requested by the Chief Pharmacist 2. Health and Safety Health and safety policies are read and understood and relevant procedures applied to work activities Workplace hazards are identified and reported, including self management of hazards where appropriate Can identify health and safety representative for area 3. Treaty of Waitangi Ensures the professional and political integrity of WDHB by carrying out all functions in compliance of the Treaty of Waitangi and by demonstrating a serious commitment to keeping the treaty alive. Shows sensitivity to cultural complexity in the workforce and patient population Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 4
PERSON SPECIFICATION Minimum Preferred Qualification B.Pharm (or other recognised pharmacy qualification) Experience NZ Registered Pharmacist Post Graduate qualification in Clinical Pharmacy Demonstrated commitment to continuing education 5 to 6 years experience as a clinical pharmacist working in a hospital environment Experience working within Older Adults Health as a clinical pharmacist Experience working with/within Mental Health Services (including dementia care) as a clinical pharmacist Experience developing and maintaining a service and the associated relationships Experience of clinical and/or health services research Skills/Knowledge/ Behaviour Good communication skills Good interpersonal skills Sense of humour Good organisational skills Good self-management skills Time management skills Problem solving skills Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 5
Behavioural Competencies Adheres to Waitemata District Health Boards 4 Organisational Values of: Every single person matters, whether a patient / client, family member or a staff member We see our work in health as a vocation and more than a job, We are aware of the suffering of these entrusted to our care. We are driven by a desire to relieve that suffering. This philosophy drives our caring approach and means we will strive to do everything we can to relieve suffering and promote wellness. We need to be connected with our community. We need to be connected within our organisation across disciplines and teams. This is to ensure care is seamless and integrated to achieve the best possible health outcomes for our patients/clients and their families. We seek continuous improvement in everything we do. We will become the national leader in health care delivery. Behavioural Competencies Communicates and Works Co-operatively Is Committed to Learning Is Transparent Is Customer Focused Works in Partnership to Reduce Inequality in Outcomes Improves health Prevents Harm Behaviour Demonstrated Actively looks for ways to collaborate with and assist others to improve the experience of the healthcare workforce, patients & their families and the community & Iwi. Proactively follows up development needs and learning opportunities for oneself and direct reports. Communicates openly and engages widely across the organisation. Enacts agreed decisions with integrity. Responds to peoples needs appropriately and with effective results Identifies opportunities for innovation and improvement Works in a way that: Demonstrates awareness of partnership obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. Shows sensitivity to cultural complexity in the workforce and patient population. Ensures service provision that does not vary because of peoples personal characteristics. Work practices show a concern for the promotion of health and well-being for self and others. Follows policies and guidelines designed to prevent harm. Acts to ensure the safety of themselves and others. VERIFICATION: Employee: Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 6
Manager: Date: Review Date: Note: This job description forms part of an individual s contract of employment with WDHB and must be attached to that contract. Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - Page 7